The change at the top of Molycorp’s executive suite comes as the company–which manufacturers and sells rare-earth products used in high-tech gadgets–is on the verge of a transformative year after a costly rare-earth mining-facility upgrade.

But Molycorp’s shares have slumped this year as rare-earth mining firms have broadly been stung by concerns about underlying demand and the sustainability of pricing. The stock hit an all-time low of $5.75 on Nov. 16, after the company disclosed a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation that began in August.

Shares of Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) were down 3% after it said: “Following discussions with regulators in the U.S., Europe and Canada, Lilly plans to conduct an additional Phase 3 study of solanezumab in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Additional details, including study design and length, are still being determined. Lilly expects to initiate this study no later than Q3 2013.”

About Stocks To Watch

Earnings reports, corporate strategies and analyst insights are all part of what moves stocks, and they’re all covered by the Stocks to Watch blog. We also look at macro issues, investor sentiments and hidden trends that are affecting the market. Stocks to Watch gives you the full picture of the U.S. stock markets, all day long.

The blog is written by Ben Levisohn, a former stock trader who has covered financial markets for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and BusinessWeek.